Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has commenced a campaign tour of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of the forthcoming council elections, leading members and supporters of the African Democratic Party (ADC) in a show of grassroots engagement.
Obi, who recently defected from the Labour Party to the ADC, made his first stop on Wednesday at the popular Kugbo furniture market in Abuja, which was devastated by a recent fire. The visit marked his first major public engagement in the FCT since joining the party and was aimed at expressing solidarity with traders while mobilising support ahead of the local government polls.
On his official X (formerly Twitter) page, Obi disclosed details of the visit and expressed concern about the impact of the fire on traders already struggling with economic hardship. “At a time when many Nigerians are grappling with deepening hardship and poverty, such losses are especially painful,” he wrote.
During his interaction with traders, Obi listened to first-hand accounts of the incident and the losses suffered by business owners. He assured them that, despite the severity of the setback, recovery was possible with the right institutional and community support.
“Despite the setbacks they faced, they will recover and thrive again with the right support,” he told traders at the market.
The former Anambra State governor also used the occasion to reiterate his long-standing call for reforms in Nigeria’s emergency response framework. According to him, the incident once again highlighted systemic weaknesses in how emergencies are handled across the country.
“This incident once again underscores my consistent call for a comprehensive reform of our emergency response systems,” Obi said. “A nation that truly cares for its people must invest in efficient, well-coordinated emergency services that respond promptly and effectively to crises, saving lives and livelihoods.”
Obi visited the market alongside Mr Moses Paul, the ADC chairmanship candidate for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) election. The duo engaged traders and community members, encouraging them to participate in the upcoming polls actively and to view local government elections as a vital platform for grassroots development and accountability.
According to Obi, the visit formed part of broader efforts to strengthen community engagement and reconnect politics with the everyday realities of ordinary citizens. He stressed that meaningful change begins at the local level, where governance directly affects markets, schools, health centres and neighbourhood security.
“We must work towards a Nigeria where preventable tragedies are avoided, and where institutions operate effectively for the benefit of all,” he added.
Political observers say Obi’s FCT tour signals the ADC’s intention to leverage his national profile to boost its visibility and electoral prospects in local council contests. As campaigns gather momentum, his emphasis on community engagement, institutional reform, and social welfare is expected to resonate with voters seeking alternatives to traditional political structures.
